The announcement of the official schedule for the Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to be played in Pakistan, has been delayed due to India’s pending decision regarding travel to the country.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) was scheduled to unveil the tournament’s schedule during a ceremony in Lahore on November 11, marking 100 days until the event.
However, the event was canceled after India failed to provide clarification on its participation in the tournament.
According to the ICC, discussions are still ongoing with the boards of the host nation and the participating teams, particularly regarding India’s stance.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has indicated that the event was intended to mark the launch of the trophy tour and tournament branding, but it remains uncertain whether it will be rescheduled due to logistical challenges, including Lahore’s current smog situation.
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According to ARY News, the schedule was never officially confirmed, and thus no final decision or comment can be made at this stage regarding the tournament.
It is pertinent to mention here that, a prominent sports website has reported that India’s cricket team will not be participating in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 scheduled to be held in Pakistan, while opting to hold their matches at a neutral venue.
As reported by ESPN Cricinfo, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has expressed concerns over hosting the Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan and has proposed a neutral venue, with Dubai emerging as a likely location for some matches.
“The BCCI prefers the matches to be played in Dubai due to logistical ease, as the city has previously hosted various cricket events, including the Women’s T20 World Cup,” as reported by ESPN.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly well-prepared to manage the event in Dubai, citing favorable accommodation and transportation conditions.
However, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has stated that no official communication has been received from the BCCI, and they will address the issue once it is presented in writing.
